202: Nicole Fahri

Fabulous food and the best Bloody Mary's I have ever tasted

Susie's profile     Other reviews by Susie     Susie likes    

202: Nicole Fahri is the quintessential Westbourne Grove lunch spot. An impeccably dressed and coiffed clientele lounge at the pavement tables where it is never surprising to come across a London celebrity thought they hardly stand out from the regulars. Even on cold grey days these tables are bustling as there is no better place for a bite or coffee as you watch the world go by.

Occupying a space that was formally a pub the interior does not disapoint either. This shop/restaurant is open and airy with no sense of clutter and plenty to browse while you wait to be seated. Clothing and homeware occupy the basement level and share the ground floor with a dozen or so bistro tables for which large windows to the back give a sense of seperation.

The menu offers a choice of breakfast/brunch items; including french toast, eggs, bagels or pancakes for under 10pounds, a range cold and warm salads and substantial meals such as the delicious poached salmon or the 202 Burger all under 15pounds. The food's strongest point is no doubt the use of always fresh ingredients meaning the salads are always a winning choice. The rendering of certain brunch items can be somewhat hit and miss - at times the french toast has been delightful and sadly on other occasions slightly stodgy and overdone. Regardless of hit and miss culinary experiences the charm of the location always wins through.

Service is softly professional. Discreet staff go out of their way to provide a table that suits or make a change to menu item as required. Despite the upmarket nature of 202 they welcome children and are happy to manoeuvre tables to accomodate the prams of Notting Hills yummy-mummy brigade.

The kitchen is open from 10:00-18:00 hours daily (17:00 - Sundays) and given the popularity and seating you may need to wait for a table at peak times.

Jennifer's profile     Other reviews by Jennifer     Jennifer likes    

Love this place. Great service. Brilliant for kids.

Adrian's profile     Other reviews by Adrian     Adrian likes    

Despite the abundance of Notting Hill mums and trustafarians sitting outside in their sunnies on a sunny day (or even a cloudy day), don't be put off. 202 has a really lovely little garden at the back with about 6 tables, service is with a smile and the food is pretty good two. �45 buys you a decent bottle of wine and two main courses (like my delicious goats cheese, parma ham, rocket, warm fig and pistachio salad). Or you can just stop by for a coffee and a croissant (or just a bottle of water if you're trying to fit into those size 6 Joseph trousers you bought last week).